Infidel

Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Feb 2007 · Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

“A forthright memoir of growing up harshly amid revolution and religious restraint . . . Hirsi Ali’s account is a significant contribution to our times.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

One of today’s most admired and controversial political figures, Ayaan Hirsi Ali burst into international headlines following the murder of Theo van Gogh by an Islamist who threatened that she would be next. She made headlines again when she was stripped of her citizenship and resigned from the Dutch Parliament.

Infidel shows the coming of age of this distinguished political superstar and champion of free speech as well as the development of her beliefs, iron will, and extraordinary determination to fight injustice. Raised in a strict Muslim family, Hirsi Ali survived civil war, female mutilation, brutal beatings, adolescence as a devout believer during the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, and life in four troubled, unstable countries ruled largely by despots. She escaped from a forced marriage and sought asylum in the Netherlands, where she earned a college degree in political science, tried to help her tragically depressed sister adjust to the West, and fought for the rights of Muslim women and the reform of Islam as a member of Parliament. Under constant threat, demonized by reactionary Islamists and politicians, disowned by her father, and expelled from family and clan, she refuses to be silenced.

Ultimately a celebration of triumph over adversity, Hirsi Ali’s story tells how a bright little girl evolves out of dutiful obedience to become an outspoken, pioneering freedom fighter. As Western governments struggle to balance democratic ideals with religious pressures, no other book could be more timely or more significant.

Ratings and reviews

This is one of my all time favorite books! Ali has become a huge inspiration to me. In her book and in her life, she shows how one person can make a difference and that no matter how much is stacked against you, truth and righteousness is worth striding for. When I began reading this book, I had no idea it would haunt me, as it has done. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by being an Atheist in a religiously controlled country and being a woman in a male dominated society, I remember the struggles Ali has gone through and continues to go through. I then remember to "buck up" and try harder. At least a major religious group isn't trying to kill me. Thanks be to Ayaan Hirsi Ali for her bravery and insight. I am forever in debt to you. Angelia Stinnett

eye opening, and heart wrenching tale written lucidly. fascinating glimpse into the life of an extraordinary courageous woman. as soon as I put the book down, i had to go out and find her book Nomad. Ms. Ali's writing has challenged my perspective towards Islam and whether tolerance is indeed compassionate. Shocking that by renouncing Islam and daring to criticize, Ms. Ali is a target for murder and that her killer would likely be viewed as a heroic martyr in the Muslim community. This is how it's characterized in the book at least. Also, learning more about the second tier status of women in Islam was alarming. I need to talk with my muslim friends to listen to their view and see if they've read this book!

I truly feel sympathy with U Ayaan for the suffering U had to bear. And there r so many in the Muslim world still suffering (and even more in other parts of the world following contrasting religions). Linking such behavior to any religion is totally unfair. All religions (and I have understood many) actually advocate utmost respect to our sisters and mothers to our future generations. People who do such horrible things as described by U are actually too far away from their respective religions in their acts. Therefore we should not make the acts of NON-PRACTICING members of a religion basis for maligning the teachings of that religion. That is unfair in ur book. I hope u read and understand because thats the GOOD u shall do not only to urself but the women across the globe because of ur reach. Last n the most important ' YOUR CREATOR AWAITS YOU, HE FORGIVES ANYONE WILLING TO COME BACK'. Bless U.

About the author

Ayaan Hirsi Ali was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, was raised Muslim, and spent her childhood and young adulthood in Africa and Saudi Arabia. In 1992, Hirsi Ali came to the Netherlands as a refugee. She earned her college degree in political science and worked for the Dutch Labor party. She denounced Islam after the September 11 terrorist attacks and now serves as a Dutch parliamentarian, fighting for the rights of Muslim women in Europe, the enlightenment of Islam, and security in the West.